Thursday, 28 August 2014

River Grill, Casa del Rio, Melaka

Words by Brooke Keel

Photos by The Yum List (Monica Tindall)

The River Grill at the Casa del Rio in Melaka provides a theatre view of the happenings along the riverside both daytime and nighttime. The location is delightful, a mix of history and modernity; depending on the time of day, one can gaze out upon the riverside to see the bustle of tourists and locals as the sun goes down, or the simple calm of leisurers and flowing water earlier in the evening. We suggest sitting outside on the patio if the weather abides.

Night Views from River Grill

A la Carte Dinner

Our dinner started as the sun began to set with some refreshing cocktails: the Classic and Strawberry Mojito (RM35), the Straights Colada (RM35), and one delicious Mango Martini (RM35). Water was served with essences of carrot, cucumber and celery to aid in clearing out toxins from the day.

Cocktails

Mango Martini

Soon after came the Mesclun Greens Mix (RM22), an artichoke based salad with sun-dried tomatoes, orange, kalamata olives, pine nuts and garlic croutons, a favorite of ours, along with soft bread and butter. A melange of Seafood on Ice (a signature, RM160), the Crispy Fried Soft Shell Crab (RM24) on young mango salad, and the fantastic Tuna Tataki soon arrived (this was another favorite - very nicely done, perfectly seasoned on a bed of greens).

Tuna Tataki

Crispy Fried Soft Shell Crab

Seafood on Ice

Mesclun Greens Mix

The Pan-Seared Atlantic Cod (RM55) was wonderful, served with fennel salad, tomatoes, roasted garlic and beurre blanc - all agreed it was one of the highlights of the menu. The same was the case with the Crusted Lamb Rack, (RM77) which had a nice edge of parmesan and herbs, succulent and moist in the middle while not overly fatty. The Grilled Wagyu Tenderloin (220gm, RM193) was hearty, perfectly grilled, and beautifully seasoned. We enjoyed heartening sides, (RM10 each) such as Cauliflower with Cheese, Truffle Mash-potatoes, Sauteed Mediterranean Potatoes, and Cream of Spinach.

Grilled Wagyu Tenderloin

Crusted Lamb Rack

For dessert we finished the evening with a Lemon Tart (RM18) (fashioned with a unique creme-brulee style crisped top), a Black and White Mousse (RM18) and a Tropical Fresh Fruit Platter with Lime (RM18). All the while, a local renowned piano player performed just inside. After we finished dinner, we headed just down the balconied walkway and made our way to take in the Casa del Rio’s live entertainment at Bar Sol where we danced the night away with the live Cuban band. A lovely evening on the river!

A barbecue on the river is just as fun, festive and delicious as it sounds. On Saturday evening each week from 6:30pm onwards, let the day wind down with the scents and flavors of delectables from the grill, cooked on the balcony by the restaurant’s specialized barbecue chef. We enjoyed the perfectly grilled Tandoori Chicken and Butterfish (delicious), served with lemon, along with some delicious oven baked naan - soft but slightly crisped on the outside and not a bit greasy. Grilled shrimp, a small rack of lamb, and cuts of beef were nicely sized and expertly charred to our liking.

Tandoori Chicken and Butterfish

Barbecue Chef

Mixed Grill

Dessert Buffet

The satay offerings we enjoyed were of beef and chicken, prepared in spicy turmeric marinade with a salt, pepper and sugar blend. We added a thick and yummy peanut and chili sauce, and tried various others as well, such as cucumber yogurt, dijon mustard, mango chutney, hot and spicy barbecue sauces and horseradish. All of the options can be hand chosen by the diner from the buffet display, and grilled promptly by the barbecue chef. It's a flavorful and carefree way to spend a Saturday evening. Order a cocktail or glass of wine and enjoy the ambiance. Prices and offerings are dependant on what is fresh from the market, though you will always find tandoori chicken and fish, as well as the grilled lamb or beef and the chicken and beef satay.

Wines by the Glass

Chicken

Reasons to visit: BBQ on the riverfront; grilled seafood and meats; pleasant ambience

Buffet and A la Carte Breakfast

Breakfast on the waterfront is certainly something to look forward to at the Casa del Rio’s River Grill. A compact buffet of local and traditional favorites is supported by plenty of delicious a la carte options, such as classic Eggs Benedict (RM19), Eggs Royale featuring smoked salmon on toast (thoroughly enjoyed, RM26), Eggs en Cocotte (another hit, RM19), and the Big Breakfast (RM26) consisting of fried eggs, sauteed mushrooms and tomatoes, crispy hash browns, turkey ham, baked beans and toasted bread. An omelette and waffle/pancake station is available to serve these freshly cooked options just to your liking. Enjoy a coffee, hot chocolate or tea, along with a selection of juices and fruits with soft bread or pastries from the buffet table. Buffet breakfast is RM45++ per person.

6 comments:

Eyeing the soft shell crabs...and the seafood platter. Everything looks lovely. Glad that they restored the river - in the late 90's, it was so dirty, stinky...no one would ever want to go near. Malacca sure has gone a long way since then! Very nice place to visit.